Angela and Davey discuss a new Blog by Dr. Howie Knoff about the impact of various external political and internal classroom distractions on education, and how they undermine good instruction and student learning. They review recent studies showing that students proficient in reading and math in eighth grade, and who takeadvanced courses in high school are better employed and more financially secured in their later lives. They then reference the dreadful recent NAEP reading and math results, and emphasize the need to prioritize effectiveteaching and learning, and supportive environments free from unnecessary disruptions.

Relative to the external distractions, studies are reviewed to demonstrate that the premises underlying recent Executive Orders targeting schools teaching “discriminatory equity ideologies” are unfounded. The Orders targeting trans and nonbinary students are being challenged or were quickly withdrawn.

Relative to internal distractions, cellphone use in the classroom is highlighted along with recent studies showing the positive effects of cellphone bans on student engagement and behavior.

The Blog emphasizes that teachers are not politically indoctrinating students, students feel comfortable discussing controversial topics, and that cellphone bans are positively affecting classroom learning.

Educators are encouraged to “build a figurative wall” to discourage and keep distractions out of our schools and classrooms. Teachers need to teach, and students need to learn.

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